How TV star convinced Boehly to rehire Lampard as Chelsea manager

TV star James Corden played a crucial role in Frank Lampard’s appointment as Chelsea’s interim manager, according to reports.

Lampard – who oversaw a game where the Blues lost to Wolves on Saturday – returned to Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Graham Potter.

Potter – who succeeded Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel - was relieved of his duties after Chelsea lost to Aston Villa and then slipped to 11th place in the Premier League.

It has now been reported that Corden urged Todd Boehly to rehire Lampard after Potter had served for almost seven months.

Lampard, one of Chelsea’s greatest-ever players, returned after his first managerial spell at the Bridge started in 2019 and ended in 2021.

Boehly and Corden are said to have become close friends over the past 12 months, as they have been spotted enjoying a Chelsea match earlier in the season and on a night out in London.

Corden and Lampard have known each other through the Sky show A League of Their Own, where Lampard’s cousin Jamie Redknapp is a team captain.

As Lampard settles into his caretaker role, a number of names are still linked with the coaching position at the club. Jose Mourinho, Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino, and Luis Enrique have all been linked with the West London outfit.

But Lampard, who had been without a club since he parted ways with Everton in January, could be handed a permanent deal if he impresses.

With the Premier League title out of reach and the top-four finish a distant dream, Chelsea’s hope for silverware this term lies in the Champions League.

They will face LaLiga giants Real Madrid in the quarter-final stage.